Ribadu drags Edo PDP chairman Aziegbem to court, seek N10b damages

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA) of Nigeria, has initiated legal action against Anthony Aziegbemi, the Edo State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following allegations that the presidency, through the NSA and the Department of State Services (DSS), intends to manipulate the upcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State.

Aziegbemi’s accusations, outlined in a statement titled “EDO 2024: PRESIDENCY’S MOVE TO INTERFERE, MANIPULATE GUBER POLL USING DSS, NSA UNCOVERED,” claimed that Ribadu authorized the release of $2 million to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for vote-buying and to influence security agencies.

In response, Ribadu’s legal team, Charles Musa and Co., condemned the statement as defamatory and damaging to his reputation.

The law firm emphasized that the allegations were unfounded and stood in stark contrast to Ribadu’s long-standing commitment to fighting corruption and maintaining ethical standards.

Ribadu’s legal representatives pointed to his notable career, including his tenure as the former Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as evidence of his dedication to upholding integrity.

The letter said: “We write on behalf of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (our Client), in response to your press statement titled “EDO 2024: PRESIDENCY’S MOVE TO INTERFERE, MANIPULATE GUBER POLL USING DSS, NSA UNCOVERED.”

“The publication falsely alleges, inter alia, that, “$2m was ordered to be released to the APC candidate by the NSA to buy votes and bribe security agencies.”

“This malicious and libellous Statement has brought our Client into public disdain and odium. Your portrayal of our Client as a corruption enabler and his office as an appendage of a political party willing to cause chaos in Edo State is entirely false and damaging to his reputation.

“As a renowned career police officer and pioneer Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), our Client has consistently demonstrated integrity and a commitment to fighting corruption. It is inconceivable that he would be involved in such odious acts.

“Given the extensive damage your false and baseless allegations have caused our client, we demand:

“A written apology to our Client.

“A full retraction of the publication in its entirety.

“Publication of the retraction in:

“A full-page advertorial in at least five nationwide newspapers.

“Ten reputable and well-read online news sites.

“Seven national and international television stations.

“Ten radio channels with national and international reach.

“Payment of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) as damages for reputational and other injuries. Take notice that if our demands are not met within seven days, we shall proceed with our Client’s further instructions, including taking legal action to enforce his rights.”